William Woods University Announces 2004-2005 Theatre Season

William Woods University’s Theatre Department offers everyone something to enjoy with this year’s mainstage line up. WWU will jump-start the season with the musical-comedic farce “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.”

Productions to follow are the children’s play “Jerry The Katler,” the social satire “The Importance of Being Ernest” and the dramatic, true Vietnam story “A Piece of My Heart.”

Once again, WWU theatre is offering savings to all theatre-lovers through the option of purchasing season tickets. Season ticket holders enjoy many benefits, including preferred seating, no long box office lines and 20 percent savings on regular ticket prices.

Tickets for the 2004-2005 theatre season are $28 for adults, $22 for senior citizens and $18 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted.

Opening this year’s season on a funny note is Stephen Sondheim’s “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.” The musical comedy is considered to be Broadway’s greatest farce and is “one of the funniest musicals ever written,” according to Music Theatre International.

“The perfect escape from life’s troubles take comedy back to its roots, combining situations from the time-tested, 2000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville. The result is a non-stop laugh-fest.”

The production will be directed by guest artist Kathy Potter, with musical direction by guest artist Hilary Myers, choral director of Fulton Middle School, and choreography by adjunct dance instructor and WWU alumna, Adrienne Branson. Performances are scheduled for Oct. 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. in Cutlip Auditorium at the McNutt Campus Center. A matinee performance is scheduled for Oct. 17 at 2:30 p.m.

“Jerry The Katler” by Roy Hudson is the second theatrical production of the season. This children’s piece is a fairy-tale-like story for “the kids in the community ages one to 99,” according to Joe Potter, WWU assistant professor of performing arts and artistic director of theatre.

To quote the play catalogue, “This hilarious tale follows the antics of an abandoned young girl, her imaginary and mischievous playmate, two inept and scheming villains, and a panther. Set in the time of magic, fantasy and indoor plumbing.”

Performances are scheduled for Dec. 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Dulany Auditorium. Matinees are scheduled for Dec. 4 and 5 at 2:30 p.m. Joe Potter will direct the production.

The third production is the social satire “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde. Set in 1890s England, the story centers around, “the most ingenious case of manufactured mistaken identity ever put into play,” stated Samuel French, Inc.

The production will be directed once again by guest artist Kathy Potter. Performances are scheduled for Feb. 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. in Cutlip Auditorium. A matinee is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m.

WWU will close its 2004-2005 theatre season with the true drama “A Piece of My Heart” by Shirley Lauro. The story of six women, five nurses and a country singer sent to entertain troupes, and their journey, before, during and after the effects of Vietnam. The story follows them through the Vietnam jungles all the way to “the Wall” in Washington.

The production will be guest directed by Melissa Alpers-Springer, adjunct instructor of theatre and speech. Performances are scheduled for April 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. A matinee is scheduled for April 24 at 2:30 p.m.

For more information on this year’s theatre season, or to purchase season tickets, contact Joe Potter at (573) 592-4281.

Author:Mary Ann Beahon

Mary Ann Beahon brings more than 45 years of public relations experience to the job, primarily in higher education. She served as the director of University Relations for 18 years before retiring in 2018.
View all posts by Mary Ann Beahon

I grew up in Tucson, Arizona where I currently live. I was involved in 4-H and rode horses from a young age. The Equestrian Science program is what originally brought me to William Woods, but I decided to pursue a degree in Biology while I

Take a look back at graduation day 2019! We are so proud of our newest alumni class and hope you are already enjoying post-college life to the fullest. Don't forget to visit your alma mater every now and then!

Take a look back at graduation day 2019! We are so proud of our newest alumni class and hope you are already enjoying post-college life to the fullest. Don't forget to visit your alma mater every now and then! https://t.co/2VJE163W4Z